The allure of a simpler, more connected life is drawing many Australians away from the hustle and bustle of city living. This “tree change” phenomenon, a significant shift from urban to rural environments, is becoming increasingly prevalent, with individuals like Max Hudson and Courtney Moir embracing the challenge and reward of country life.
From City Grind to Island Escape
Max Hudson, once a tradesman in the outer Melbourne suburb of Pakenham, found his daily routine of commuting, working, and weekend socialising to be unfulfilling. “I was waking up every morning, hopping on the freeway, sitting in traffic, going to work, getting my pay-cheque and then spending the weekend with mates, drinking beers and whatnot,” he recalls. This feeling of dissatisfaction spurred a desire for a radical life change.
Driven by a newfound passion for agriculture, Hudson embarked on a five-year journey to study horticulture and agriculture. “I wanted to go get an education and understand everything about horticulture and agriculture,” he explains. Upon completing his studies in 2023, he was ready for his grand adventure. In 2024, he packed his bags and relocated to the remote King Island, situated in Tasmania’s Bass Strait, a community of just over 1,000 residents.
The Rise of the Regional Relocation
Hudson’s move isn’t an isolated incident. The Regional Australia Institute, which monitors population shifts between metropolitan and regional areas, has observed a consistent trend of Australians choosing country living. Their Regional Movers Index, utilising data from the Commonwealth Bank, tracks millions of relocations quarterly.
The September 2025 Quarter Report highlights a notable surge in people moving from capital cities to regional areas, a trend that has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the flow of people moving into cities has seen a decline since 2023. The latest figures indicate that 11.5 per cent of all major relocations involved a move from a capital city to a regional area, compared to 8.4 per cent moving in the opposite direction. While most significant moves still occur between capital cities, the pull of regional Australia is undeniable, with Sydney and Melbourne being the primary departure points for these urban dwellers.
Finding Purpose on King Island
On King Island, Hudson sought practical experience in regenerative agriculture, taking on a role as a station hand on a cattle property. “I just wanted to get the experience of learning how to graze properly and also working on a large scale,” he states. The island’s operational approach and the promise of a unique living experience were significant draws.
A personal challenge also presented itself in the form of Roxy, his first working dog. Training Roxy, a rookie on the program Muster Dogs, proved to be a steep learning curve. “Having a working dog was a different dynamic for me from having a pet, and I was just finding it hard to find a balance of fun and work with her,” Hudson admits. He initially struggled to build a strong connection, but by incorporating more playful activities like beach visits and games, their bond began to strengthen. This companionship became crucial in helping Max adjust to the profound isolation of island life.
The Double-Edged Sword of Isolation
While the dream of a tranquil rural existence is appealing, the reality of isolation can be a significant hurdle. Courtney Moir, a former bank teller, experienced this firsthand. Her move from Albany to a sprawling 5,000-acre farm in Wellstead, Western Australia, was driven by love, joining her husband, a sixth-generation sheep farmer.
Their property, located at the southern tip of Western Australia, is a picturesque landscape surrounded by water, rivers, and beaches. Despite the beauty, Moir found the transition challenging. “It’s a beautiful place to live, but being isolated and lonely, it took a lot to get used to,” she shares. The pressure to be the “perfect mother and wife” left her feeling unfulfilled. “I was trying to be the perfect mother and wife, but ended up not happy and not whole as a person, and grieving a previous version of myself.”
Hudson echoed these sentiments, admitting that even though he initially believed he enjoyed his own company, prolonged solitude on King Island began to take a toll. “I always thought I liked my own company, but after being there two years, I did start feeling a bit down because I didn’t really have anyone to talk to or anything to do,” he confesses. This period served as a stark reminder of the importance of cherishing existing relationships.
Reconnecting and Finding Fulfillment
For Hudson, the solution wasn’t to return to the city but to find a balance closer to his new life. He has since transitioned to sheep farming in Victoria’s Gippsland region. This move allows him to remain connected to the land he loves while being within a manageable distance of friends and family. “I’m close to friends and family now, so if I’m having a bad week, it’s suddenly a two-hour drive to go see someone and have a chat. That’s really a big benefit in my life at the moment.”
The idea of returning to his former city life is unthinkable for Hudson. “I haven’t looked back once since I left being a tradesman and going on this journey to get out on the land,” he asserts. He finds profound satisfaction in his current work, often pausing to appreciate the simple yet special moments, like working his dogs in the paddock. “Sometimes I do have to pinch myself, I’m just working the dogs out in the paddock; it’s pretty special.” His career path has taken an unexpected but deeply rewarding turn, one he sees as a lifelong commitment.
Similarly, Courtney Moir found her purpose through working dogs, participating in Muster Dogs to enhance her role on the family farm. “I need something that will fulfil my needs and give me individuality,” she explains. Her ambition is to contribute meaningfully to the farm’s six-generation legacy and become an integral part of its daily operations.
The stories of Max Hudson and Courtney Moir highlight a growing movement of Australians seeking a more authentic and purposeful existence away from urban centres. While the journey can present challenges, particularly regarding isolation, the rewards of reconnecting with nature, finding a sense of community, and forging a new path are proving to be profoundly life-changing.
Stream the new series of Muster Dogs free on ABC iview.
